ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. adhd uk diagnosis have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In the light of these problems it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also use standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
adhd diagnosis uk adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If adhd diagnosis uk adults isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.